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Topic: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.  (Read 1046 times) previous topic - next topic
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Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
I am visiting the Lazy Daze facility either Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

I mentioned awhile back I was interested in the RB or FD. I am warming up more to the MB. I just spoke to Todd again and he told me the MB was  75% complete and I should get a good idea how it looks complete. The TK is on the floor and in Silver, the under construction MB in green.

Any suggestions what I should pay attention to or questions someone would want me to ask for this forum.

The RB and FD will not be available to be seen. I am aware of the obvious differences of the RB and MB. Love how open the RB is and the separate areas with the MB.

I will bring up the paint issues and are they fixing the problem. Yes a problem to me.  6 or 7 years may be acceptable, but not 3 or 4 years.
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #1 –
Maybe you could ask if they have any information about the new drivetrain that seems to affect the E450 from Ford. How will this possibly interact with the manufacturing and changes in Lazy Daze production.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #2 –
Make sure and save time to talk to Vince. His insights were especially beneficial. For my purposes the 27mb is perfect.
2019 MB
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #3 –
In addition to the paint issue, I would also be interested if LD has any advance knowledge of the 2021 chassis. Thanks, and looking forward to your report!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #4 –
That is already a priority. Not wanting to offend anyone but the E450 is the part i most dislike about thr LD.
The new chasis has unknown performance numbers yet but enhancements I like. That
may make the E450 more acceptable for me.
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #5 –
"...the E450 is the part i most dislike about thr LD."

Can you elaborate more about what it is you 'dislike' regarding the E450?   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #6 –
Well Lazy bones I do not want to start a debate about E450 vs Sprinter. I prefer the Sprinter for the mpg, appearance, roominess, cooler, and quieter. Despite some opinions I sold  sob for 2800 dollars less than I paid for it new on a sprinter chassis and loaded in options. I had it for only 2 1/2 years though. But still very good resale value.

But this is a LD forum and I respect the opinions here. Though some I disagree with.

Resale and mpg are very important to me. The E450 is not.

The resale appears there for the LD and the line is long to get one.

I am reconsidering a LD  after 3 years because the uniqueness is appealing to me. The windows/exterior views are  incredible. Also the reliability is reported to be high. I will say I had no issues with the other coach though. Zero.
In a nut shell I really like the coach portion.

I hope to postpone my purchase if the new Ford is meeting some of my interests. I say that because It looks like I am due for about a July of 2020 delivery date. I would pay the extra to delay delivery for the new chassis. Likely only a month or two.

I also want to rest the minds of those forum members who have issues and are currently talking to the home office. I will not mention any names or quote the years involved, or in any way jeopardize those members relationship with the mothership.

I do find it necessary as a consumer looking to spend well over 100 thousand dollars on a coach to address majors issues, cosmetic or not. I find it also only fair that the issue be addressed and remedied for all us on the list and or waiting for delivery.

I ask for open minds here. If this were an issue on another forum and brand, some here would be far less patient and forgiving in their statements.

I hope to see the the 27MB and immediately know it is for me. We will see.

Thank you for all comments and sorry if any one is offended, not my intention.
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #7 –
Selling a 2 1/2 year old RV for only $2800 less than what you paid for it is truly remarkable and unheard of in my experience of owning 4 RVs!

Gary
2007 30' TB
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #8 –
I doubt that many, if anyone, on this forum is 'offended' when someone expresses a preference for a platform/chassis other than the E-450; those looking for the 'right' rig are wise to explore the market for suitable matches to their life and travel styles. 

However, I believe that the significant differences between the two chassis in question (in addition to diesel vs. gas, etc.) should be taken into account when considering their application as RV platforms. Of specific concern to me with the 3500 MB Sprinter cab chassis as a base is that it has a gvwr of only 11,030 pounds; current E-450s offer a gvwr of 14,500 pounds. (There is a MB Sprinter 4500 cab chassis with a gvwr of 12,125 pounds; I don't know if this platform is used by any RV manufacturers?)

If a manufacturer using the Sprinter as an RV platform is conscientious about building the 'box' within the weight limits of the Sprinter, i.e., not overloading the chassis with the initial build and allowing adequate CCC, the Sprinter works for smaller 'B' or 'B+'-type rigs.  In my experience, many RV manufacturers are far less than 'conscientious' about overloading a chassis, and the consumer may be ignorant of, or dismissive of, weight concerns.

There are plenty of choices on the market for all types of RVs, and all have advantages and disadvantages; what works for one will not for another.

As ever, YMMV.



2003 TK has a new home
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #9 –
Quote from: Looking  - 
Thank you for all comments and sorry if any one is offended, not my intention.

I, if I may speak for many others, don't feel offended.    You have a perfect right to investigate.   Frankly no matter the amount of money a person spends its their money.    And you have a right to spent it as you feel fit. 

The problem as I see it is the answer to the questions "how do I rv/camp?".    Once you answer that question then you can fit the 'rv/camp' to your personal style.    Sadly most folks are 'sold' rather then 'buy' products. 

glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #10 –
"...on another forum and brand, some here would be far less patient and forgiving in their statements."

When it comes to LD enthusiasts you will not find more tolerance! We welcome all opinions, that's how we learn. Obviously your concerns are valid for you. While reading between the lines I get the impression you've not yet seen or examined a genuine Lazy Daze, correct?

I have no experience with the 'Sprinter' thing, whatever it may be, therefore I cannot opine on the issue. But, when it comes to the E450 I am biased... it's a workhorse from start to finish. Yes, compared to other RVs (SOB) the gas mileage is moderate, but then I'm content with 8-10mpg given what it's hauling.

You need not be so defensive, we are all friends here!    ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #11 –
If I had my wish and wishes could come true...I’d take one of these...

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #12 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
If I had my wish and wishes could come true...I’d take one of these...

Kent

I believe LD built three Kodiaks, keep your eyes open. They are huge looking and have a lot storage and the CCC ti use it.
You will be in competition with Dave, from LD Caravan Club, the guy with a barn full of drivable LD and now the one and only  LD Class A.
He wants to own one of each floorpan and they have to be good condition or restorable, as in the case of the Class A.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #13 –
Larry,

The last Kodiak that came up was listed for $25,000. I’d have bought it in a heartbeat but it seems that it was scooped up before I got that far. Hens teeth. Whadda ya gonna do?

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #14 –
Were the Kodiaks diesel?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #15 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Were the Kodiaks diesel?

I believe LD built gasoline versions of the Kodiak. If the chassis had stayed in production, a diesel option may have been offered eventually.
A diesel motorhome requires either a diesel or propane powered generator . Onan does not build small, RV diesel generators.
A propane generator uses a bit of fuel and needs a extra large propane tank(s) to provide an adequate amount of fuel for domestic uses, as well as for the generator.

The Kodiak had a straight front axle suspension with leaf springs, a downgrade from the twin-I-beam suspension used in the E450.  It probably had a ride similar to a dump truck which makes sense, the Kodiak was used for such purposes.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #16 –
I am guessing they were the 8.1L vortec. Gas engine.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #17 –
Quote from: dollinsdale  - 
I am guessing they were the 8.1L vortec. Gas engine.
32' island bed and twin bed models, Chevy Kodiak chassis, 325 HP/8.1 liter/494 c.i.d. V-8, 6-speed Allison auto transmission, GVWR: 19,500 lb., CCC: 3,500 lb. (NOTE: Only three of these were built before GM shut down Kodiak production.)

From the Lazy Daze Pocket Guide.

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
If I had my wish and wishes could come true...I’d take one of these...

Kent
That may be the one I saw in Ashville, NC  on our shakedown cruise in 2014.   It looked like about the only thing they couldn't store was our 31 IB itself!  Where does the line form?
Joel & Terry Wiley
2013  31 IB   ORWAN   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #19 –
Let's see, there were three made. OK, I'm right behind Kent and Joel. Oh wait, there's that other guy Larry mentioned . . .  :(
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #21 –
Quote from: Looking  - 
I am visiting the Lazy Daze facility either Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

Hey "Looking" - have fun at your visit to the Mothership this week. My husband and I have our 31 IB being built right now - hoping for a July delivery (original hoped for June delivery pushed back a month at this point). Don't know if you are interested in looking at it - but you are welcome to if allowed by Todd/Steve.  We are busting at the seams to get into our new Lazy Daze.
Will be following the thread on paint chipping to see what reports you bring back from Mothership. Enjoy!
Connie Goochee
Kevin Dolan
Bucks County, PA
2019  31 IB
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #22 –
Any updates on your visit?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Visiting Mothership Tuesday.
Reply #24 –
How did your visit go  ?????
2009 Kodiak 32 foot Island Bed